Happy New Year

May your New Year be blessed with good health, happiness and PEACE!

Blazes

'Twas a few days after the holiday and all through my house, the only thing stirring is my fireplace.  Lazy me, wrapped in my blanket and a cup of tea, how sweet is this.  Rainy and cold out and a perfect day to stay in and enjoy the weather. 

Holiday Greetings to all

May your holidays be bright with lights, fun, family and food.  May your New Year be filled with good health, happiness and PEACE.
Blessings to all.
c.

Finally, found my photos and can now download them

Photo of my "Poster Boy" Stephen in the REI window in downtown Seattle.  Just in time for the holidays.  Of course you cannot see Stephen's face but I'd recognize those legs anywhere.  Besides, he told me it was him.  Stephen joined REI while still in college, after graduation he stayed with them in Austin, TX. and after he and Lisa were married, they were transferred to Oregon. Three months after arriving in Oregon and settling in, they were moved to Seattle and have been there now almost 24 years.  Stephen has climbed the ladder and fortunately done very well for himself.  Good work ethics, long hours and determination has made Stephen a very valuable employee.  Good work Son.  Keep it up. 

Aggraviated!

WHAT A F****** MESS.  I was told that Windows 8 was great and I should have it.  Sooo, I ordered it and had it downloaded several days ago.  Since then my computer life has been Hell!  It's horrible!  I called iYogi today and had them try to uninstall it and replace it with my windows 7 - no avail.  Now I cannot load any photos from my telephone to this program and thus, no photos for my blogs.  Will have to contact iYogi again when I have an hour or 2 to rectify the situation.  Be warned, UNLESS you are really computer savvy - STAY AWAY from Windows 8!

Blessings

The very best  wishes to all for a Happy Thanksgiving.  Let us not take for granted all that we are blessed with, health, family, friends, opportunities and Peace.  Enjoy the day and be grateful. 

Jury Duty

Closing out this week before Thanksgiving, I was called to be a good citizen and have jury duty.  I'm never chosen and have had my share of trips to the courthouse without being a juror.  This was to be a criminal case and I was seated (after a shuffle of the jury inquiries) as number 50 out of  69 possible jurors.  I knew my chances were nill.  After a "charge to the panel" the process began with both the district attorney and defense attorneys speaking.  By 1:00 p.m. they had seated a jury and I was excused.  Donated my $10 to the Montgomery Co. Animal Adoption group and left.  It was a beautiful day though and I walked around downtown Conroe.  So many new shops, restaurants and theaters are now open.  The town has been reborn and it's nice.  I must make plans to spend some time in downtown Conroe on "small business Saturdays".  After of course I first go to downtown Montgomery.  Being a considerate citizen I like to support out local (really local, not big brand stores) stores and share a few $$$'s with them.

To all my Monkey friends

November is inspection sticker time for Mz Beauty.  We stopped by Grease Monkey today and I thought this new addition to their lobby was so cute I had to photo it.  I've used them for various little things, like inspections, filling my tires with air, etc. The guys are always nice and cold drinks and coffee are available and free.  Plus, they are fast, thorough and efficient.  Can't beat that, in and out in about 20 minutes.  Did not take a 'nanna tho, I like them, they do not like me.  Sigh....

Wonderful day in The Garden

ExPats luncheon at the Vintage Garden on Thursday.  A lovely old cottage in the heart of Montgomery, with tiny tea pots, cups, old-fashioned art and "stuff".  Totally like stepping back in time for the day.  Added plus, we all were looking good and had our best manners in step.  Although we were small in numbers, so many were out of town or taking time to do whatever they need to do for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Food was lovely and served on china plates.  A real treat and I will personally go there again to enjoy and savor the moment.

Fall mums

Several years ago when I had the energy, my little backyard had a lovely garden area.  It was full of autumn mums, sunflowers, amaryllis, and various other plants that I would plant.  Doing a little cleanup on my patio this afternoon I went down the steps to the little garden area and lo and behold, lots of pretty little mums were blooming.  Decided to cut a few stems and enjoy in the house. I am sure they will freeze back the first time we have some really colder weather but until that time, I'll keep some in the house. 

Every once in a while.......

Some one will say something that makes me stop, think, and take notice .....at our lunch bunch on Tuesday, in one of our conversations re: issues that we talk about and not wanting to discuss the upcoming  election results - one person said

 

"YOU'RE WEALTHY WHEN YOU'RE HEALTHY "

 

Hello - wake up call....how true, how true, how true.....

From Dr. Oz, talk shows, magazines, books, ads on television, we all think about our health.  What we do about it is usually a different thing.  We go about our daily lives saying "today I will eat healthy" "today I will exercise" "today I will have only one drink, one piece of chocolate" one, one, one. 

My New Year's Resolutions were the same and in retrospect, I think I have done a pretty good job of following up, except on Tuesday when I have a caffeine Diet Coke. 

My point really - think about it - "You're wealthy when you're healthy"...that's the best of all possible worlds.  Not much more can touch that.

AGAIN - My idea of a great football weekend...

Saturday -  BAMA TIDE over Tennessee....Again and again, #1 in BCS....and the country...Can't wait till next weekend.

Sunday -TEXANS over the Ravens....wtg team.  Wonderful football weekend....

Way cool

10/11/12 - how cool is that?  Need I say more.  I love it when numbers play in sequence.  If memory serves me, the next big one will be 12/12/12.  And that will be the Volunteer Holiday Luncheon at one of our favorite restaurants in Conroe, Vernon's Katfish Kitchen.  Always looking forward to that. 

Onward to other things, yesterday I had to take Mz Beauty in for her 30,000 mile check up.  (She is almost catching up to me in mileage).  Fred Haas on I45 is the coolest and most fun car dealership in the county.  Lots of sitting spaces, plenty of free cold drinks, coffee, etc. and more entertainment then you could want.  There is a hugh rock formation in the showroom where they have those exotic SUV's, 4 Wheelers, etc. stationed.  They removed one while we were all in the area and it was really exciting, particularly since there is a hugh poll behind the area.  After removing the big 4 Wheeler deal, they moved a pick-up truck on to it.  Got my $'s worth of fun watching the young man doing the maneuvering.  Great driving for sure. 

My ever so handsome son and my beautiful daughter-in-law, 23 years and counting.  How lucky they are and especially how lucky I am!  They are a wonderful couple, still very much in love and respect for each other.  They are fantastic parents to my grandson and granddaughter and I am thankful beyond words that they are celebrating 23 years.  Love to you both! 

Proud again

Bragging again - but it is such an honor for our hospital.  Our Cardiac Group is really outstanding.  We have incredible surgeons in our Heart & Vascular area and also in our Cath Lab.  Depending on the status and need, our doctors can take care of everything.  We are so lucky to have these fine facilities and doctors in our community. 

The Good Witch has

Been busy in the Cath Lab at CRMC.  Sunflowers being a big favorite of mine decorate the table in a bright tablecloth and the pumpkins and gourds add extra color and fun.  Everyone that came in commented on the decorations and as I left the hospital this afternoon I saw several other areas beginning to look alot like October and November.  Am I pushing the holiday season, nothing adds more fun than lots of decorations...

Incredible Incredible Incredible

TEXANS ROCK - INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL GAME TODAY!  SUPER BOWL AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!!!!! NOW AT 4-0.  WTG GUYS! 

Top This......

Rainy Saturday afternoon, all chores finished and I sat down to read.  Darling Daughter called and after a brief chat, we hung up.  Started to read again and with the nice sound of rain - I was out like a light - probably 2:00p ish.  Suddenly, it was 5:00pm and it was wonderful.  This last week was extremely busy with me having several mornings where I had to be at CRMC at 6:30 a.m. and volunteering all day until 4:00p.m.  Conclusion, "this ole' chick ain't what she used to be"....Have the same kind of week coming up with not all volunteering.  Anyway, nothing better than a rainy Saturday afternoon and a super great nap!  Try it, you'll like it!

Busy hospital week

Ordinarily my usual haunt at CRMC is the Cath Lab on Monday's and Friday's.  Once a year Human Resources has their annual luncheon and meeting and for the last 3 years I have been asked to stay in their department during this time and man the phones, possible new hires and whomever might come through the doors.  It is a different more "work" environment and even tho I enjoy doing it for my friends in HR, I always think about how happy I am after I leave there to be away from the real working world.  They have promised me and always remind me that should I ever need a "real" job, they will definitely hire me.  Makes me feel good that they think so but I am so grateful that I am able to volunteer and not really work.  Volunteering gives me so much more than I ever give and I am happy about that.  If you have some spare time, volunteer, it's good for the soul. 

Life Changes

Big day today as my very super, awesome, special grandson Ryan heads to Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA.  Ryan is such a special young man, warm, caring, intelligent, friendly and outgoing and full of adventure.  The world is his oyster and I am sooo excited for him.  He was such a cute little guy and has grown into his young adulthood with grace and certainly good looks.  His parents have guided him well and it will be exciting to see as his future expands.  Good luck sweetheart, can't wait to hear all about everything.  Have a safe and great semester.

love ya always,

Gran

September 22, 2012

September 22, 2012 - 9:49 a.m. CST - First Day of Fall.  Twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of night.  Days will begin to be shorter and nights longer after that.

It is also my dear sister, Barbara's,  birthday.  Happy Happy Happy sister.  And many more. 

Now available.....

To all those who cannot get enough, here it is super-sized.  In each round tub there are 2 sacks.....That should make even the most devoted CHEEZ-IT fan happy.  At least for a short period of time, until the last cracker is gone.  This particular blog is dedicated to my darling daughter and her awesome hubby.  Enjoy!

Each September

Once a year I receive a telephone call from James McLemore reminding me it's time for my fall checkup.  James and I became acquainted about 3 or 4 years ago when he came out to service my dryer (blowing out all the accumlated fluff) and also to service and clean my fireplace.  He personifies the small business owner who takes great pride in doing not only a job properly but carefully to ensure my safety so I can use my fireplace (hopefully - we'll have enuff cold weather so I can enjoy it) with no concerns about a run-away fire.  James is extremely cautious about not making a mess and always is willing to do a little something extra (changed a light globe for me) so I would not have to climb a ladder.  James gets a gold star and AAA+ from me for great service.  If you have need for a good Chimney Sweep, give me a call for James telephone number.  Thanx James. btw, in Europe if you see a Chimney Sweep riding their bike, dressed in black, with a top hat, they will let you rub their shoulder for good luck. :-)

At the marina

After last year's terrible drought, it is so nice to see the lake up and full of water.  Our Marina has been restored to better shape and the boats are back in place.  The launch areas are in use and mostly on the weekend there are plenty of boats in the water.  Really nice to sit back and enjoy the "little bit of heaven" that we have here. 

September 11, 2001 - September 11, 2012

WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER.

Decent Day to....garden.

Surprise!  This Saturday a.m., it was wonderful to go outside and the temperature was under 90 degrees.  Actually, it was in the low 80's.  Sigh!  What a relief.  Decided not to pass up the opportunity to go out on the patios and clean up the plants and separate some of the rapid growers.  I've been a gardener most of my life (first garden at about 6 behind our garage with my Dad)....Through the years and with the body issues from the accident, I'm not quite the gal I used to be and my energy level mandates that my time spent doing really back breaking issues is restricted.  Although I can still be an active gardener, it just takes longer and more will power than anything.  But....not going to let that stop me, just going to take more rest pauses :-)......Where there is a will, there is a way.  Enjoy your weekend!

Good shopping Karma!

A good bargain is the ultimate happy for me.  I've had my various canes hanging on the bar in the kitchen, and each time I hurry into the kitchen, I hit one or another and they all go tumbling on to the floor.  I've been searching for a rather plain cane holder, on line and any store I go into.  Sunday, with a coupon in hand from Michael's for 50% off one item, I found this cane holder or umbrella stand or whatever....it's rather blah, but works fine in my entry and holds all 10 cans without tumbling over.  The real deal was that it was $15.00 and with my coupon, I paid $7.50.  Am I a shopper or what!!!!?

Labor Day 2012

Labor Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Monday in September. Though often commemorated with picnics, barbecues and parties, the federal holiday is meant to pay tribute to the country's workforce.  A few facts fyi -

Labor Day actually started in Canada. Its origins can be traced back to April 15, 1872, when the Toronto Trades Assembly organized Canada's first significant demonstration for worker's rights. Canadians also celebrate the holiday on the first Monday of September, but to them it's "Labour Day."

Americans first celebrated Labor Day Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. A parade with 10,000 workers marched from City Hall to Union Square.

On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year Labor Day.

Enjoy your Labor Day - relax and have fun.  Unless you are working of course.